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By Anthony Amos 06 Feb, 2024
Introduction When dealing with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), one term you'll frequently encounter is the Date Last Insured (DLI). Understanding the significance of this date is crucial for anyone planning to file an SSDI claim. In this blog post, we'll simplify what DLI means, why it's important, and how it impacts your SSDI claim. What is the Date Last Insured (DLI)? The Date Last Insured is a key date in the context of SSDI. It represents the last day you are eligible for disability benefits under the SSDI program. To understand DLI, consider SSDI as a subscription-based service, much like an insurance policy, which is active as long as you're working and contributing to Social Security through your taxes. The Role of Work Credits Earning Work Credits : You earn 'work credits' based on your yearly wages or self-employment income. You can earn up to four credits per year. Maintaining Insurance : To keep your 'subscription' (or insurance) active, you need to continuously earn these credits. Why DLI is Crucial Determines Eligibility : Your disability must have started before or on your DLI for you to be eligible for SSDI benefits. Proving Your Claim : If you file a claim after your DLI, you must provide strong medical evidence showing that your disability began before or on the DLI. The Benefits of Understanding Your DLI Effective Planning : Knowing your DLI helps in strategizing and effectively planning your SSDI claim. Avoiding Claims Denial : Many claims filed after the DLI are denied due to ineligibility. Being aware of your DLI helps avoid such situations. Prompt Action : Understanding your DLI encourages timely filing and gathering of necessary medical evidence. Real-Life Analogy Think of the DLI like the expiration date of a car warranty. If your car has issues before the warranty expires, repairs are covered. Similarly, if your disability starts before the DLI, you're likely eligible for SSDI benefits. If it's after, just like a post-warranty car repair, you're generally not covered. Conclusion In conclusion, the Date Last Insured is a pivotal factor in your SSDI claim process. It's essential to be aware of this date to ensure that you're filing your claim within the eligible period. Understanding the DLI can significantly influence the success of your SSDI claim and ensure that you receive the benefits you deserve.
By Anthony Amos 02 Jan, 2024
A "Closed Period of Disability" in SSDI refers to a specific period during which an individual was unable to work due to a disabling condition, but their medical condition improved to the point where they could return to substantial gainful activity (SGA) within a defined timeframe. Key Points: Onset Date : This is the date when the individual's disability began, and they became unable to work at the SGA level due to their medical condition. Closed Period Start Date : This marks the beginning of the closed period, which is the time when the individual was unable to work due to their disability. Closed Period End Date : This is the date when the individual's medical condition improved to the extent that they could return to work at the SGA level or engage in substantial gainful activity. Decision : The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates the medical evidence and decides on the closed period, which can be either "Fully Favorable" or "Partially Favorable." Benefits Payment : If the SSA issues a "Fully Favorable" decision for the closed period, the individual may be entitled to receive SSDI benefits for the duration of the closed period. If the decision is "Partially Favorable," the SSA recognizes the closed period but might have limitations or conditions on benefits. Here’s a simplified chart to illustrate the concept:
By Anthony Amos 29 Dec, 2023
When you apply for SSDI benefits, the decision from the Social Security Administration (SSA) will fall into one of two categories: Fully Favorable or Partially Favorable. Understanding the distinction between these two can significantly impact your expectations and planning. 1. Fully Favorable Decision What It Means: This decision aligns entirely with your claim. The SSA agrees with your alleged onset date of disability and grants benefits from that date. Impact: You receive benefits from the date you claimed your disability began, ensuring maximum possible back pay. 2. Partially Favorable Decision What It Means: The SSA agrees that you are disabled but disagrees with the onset date. They assign a later start date for your disability. Impact: You still receive benefits from a later date than you claimed, which affects the amount of backpay you receive. Visual Representation: Understanding the Timelines To help you visualize the difference, let’s look at a chart comparing both decisions: The green line represents a Fully Favorable decision. It indicates that benefits start from the date you claimed your disability began. The blue line depicts a Partially Favorable decision, starting from a later date determined by the SSA.
By Anthony Amos 29 Dec, 2023
Greetings from Amos Law, We are committed to providing comprehensive insights into various aspects of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims. This edition is dedicated to understanding an Unfavorable Decision in an SSDI claim and its implications. Unfavorable Decision in SSDI Claims An Unfavorable Decision from the Social Security Administration (SSA) can be disheartening, but it’s crucial to understand what it entails and the next steps available. What is an Unfavorable Decision? Definition: An Unfavorable Decision in an SSDI claim means that the SSA has determined that you do not meet the criteria to be considered disabled under their rules. Therefore, you are not eligible for disability benefits. Implications: This decision indicates that based on the information provided, either your condition does not qualify as a disability or there is insufficient evidence to prove your disability. Understanding the Decision The SSA evaluates SSDI claims based on specific medical criteria and your ability to engage in substantial gainful activity. An Unfavorable Decision often results from one of the following: Insufficient medical evidence to substantiate the disability claim. The condition does not meet the SSA’s definition of a disability. The evidence suggests that you can still perform work-related activities. What Can You Do After an Unfavorable Decision? An Unfavorable Decision is not the end of the road. Here are your options:  Appeal the Decision: You have the right to appeal. There are several levels of appeal, including Reconsideration, Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge, Review by the Appeals Council, and Federal Court review. Reapply with Additional Information: If your condition worsens or if you can provide additional medical evidence, reapplying might be a viable option. Consult with Your Amos Law Attorney: It’s crucial to discuss the best course of action with your attorney. Sometimes, a strategic appeal can make a significant difference. Amos Law Is Here to Support You Facing an Unfavorable Decision can be challenging, but you are not alone in this journey. Our team at Amos Law is here to guide you through appeals or reapplication processes, providing the expertise and support you need. For personal advice or further information, please reach out to us. Warm regards, Anthony Amos Attorney at Law Stay Informed | Stay Supported | Amos Law
31 May, 2023
Welcome, dear readers, to a remarkable journey of exploration and discovery! Today, we have the extraordinary privilege of diving deep into the world of Anthony Amos, founding attorney at Amos Law, an individual whose story will captivate your imagination and leave you inspired. In a world that often celebrates conformity, our founding attorney Anthony stands out as a shining example of what can be achieved when passion, determination, and a unique perspective collide. Through this exclusive interview, we invite you to join us as we unravel the layers of his captivating journey, peering into the moments that shaped his life and the lessons he learned along the way. Throughout this interview, we will delve into the mind of Anthony, exploring the origins of his extraordinary journey. From humble beginnings to the pinnacle of success, we will navigate the challenges faced, the pivotal moments that shaped his destiny, and the invaluable lessons garnered along the way. Prepare to be inspired as Anthony shares his insights, wisdom, and the strategies that propelled him to greatness. Fasten your seatbelts and prepare to be enthralled as you embark on this unforgettable journey alongside Anthony. His story awaits, and it promises to leave an indelible mark on your heart and mind.  Read the article: https://voyageraleigh.com/interview/meet-anthony-amos-of-the-amos-law-firm-d-b-a-amos-law/
By Anthony Amos 15 May, 2023
Dear Clients and Subscribers, We hope this newsletter finds you well. In this edition, we will focus on the Sequential Evaluation Process for Adult Disability Determinations, a crucial aspect of our legal practice at Amos Law. The evaluation process plays a significant role in determining eligibility for disability benefits. Let's take a closer look at the different steps involved: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): The first step assesses whether the claimant is engaged in substantial gainful activity. If they are, their claim is likely to be denied. If not, the evaluation proceeds to the next step. Medically Determinable Impairment: Here, we determine whether the claimant has a medically determinable impairment. If there is no impairment, the claim is denied. However, if there is a valid impairment, we move on to the next step. Meet or Equal a Listing: This step examines whether the impairment meets or equals a listing provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA). If the criteria are met, the claim is allowed. If not, the evaluation continues to the next step. Capacity for Past Work: At this stage, we assess the claimant's capacity for past work. If they can perform their previous work, the claim is denied. If they cannot, we proceed to the final step. Capacity for Other Work: The final step determines if the claimant can perform any other work considering their age, education, and skills. If they can, the claim is denied. If they cannot perform other work, the claim is allowed.
15 Oct, 2021
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